Chapter One

Star sat alone in her room, staring at magical scars on the vaulted ceiling. The sun had gone down about thirty minutes ago, and despite her mindless snacking, a growl of hunger rumbled through her abdomen. She rolled over in an attempt to squash the nagging hunger pangs, sighing as she did so. She had been so lonely since leaving Earth. Even when she was with Ponyhead, there was a deep longing in the back of her mind. She missed Marco terribly.

Her mind pulled her back to that night, several weeks ago during the party when she confessed her crush to him; a moment of weakness, where her heart stood still while her baby blues searched his face in hopes of reciprocation, but instead found widened eyes gasping in pure embarrassment. As she ran back into her room and through the portal, she had hoped he would follow her… but he didn't.

Not right away, at least; he had eventually followed her and found her, celebrated their victory and once again, left. He didn't mention what Star had told him; he acted as if she had never poured herself out to him in a final attempt to have him recognize her the way she wanted him to. It tore into her soul, every time she thought about it, keeping her wounds fresh. She shook her head, a single warm tear staining her cheek. She would not allow herself to wallow in despair. She grabbed her phone and called Ponyhead.

"Heyyy girl," Her best friend chimed on the other end.

"Hey, Ponyhead," Star's voice trailed off, despite her weak attempt at sounding enthusiastic.

"Star, don't tell me you're still hung up over Earth-turd, are you?" Star could hear Ponyhead chewing on something, but her voice was still judgmental. Star was use to it, but right now, it stung.

"Nooo, well… no. Nevermind. I'll talk to you later, Ponyhead." Her best friend called out to her, but she hung up anyway. She slid off her bed and groaned. Marco's hoodie was long gone, but heart ached in regret of getting rid of it. Why was she so stupid? The last bit of Marco she had, she had carelessly tossed away in a sentimental effort to move on. Now here she was, hoodie-less, with her emotions still clinging to her like a tick. A loud knock at the door and her mother's voice brought her up for air briefly.

"Star, what are you doing? It's almost lunch and you didn't come down for breakfast. Are you feeling alright?" Star's focus shifted to her hunger. The corn puffs were gone, but she hadn't had an entire meal of real food in days; or was it weeks? Before Star could answer, the door shoved open. "I'm coming in." Queen Moon announced, looking as regal as she always did at any given time. Star rolled her eyes.

"You're suppose to say that before actually coming in, Mom." She pulled her knees to her chest and turned, resting her chin on her cross arms. Moon frowned.

"Star, what has gotten into you these last few days?" Moon treaded carefully around her daughter's messy room, smoothing out a spot on the bed before take a seat. "And when was the last time you cleaned your room…"

"I'm fine, Mom, really. Just more Mewberty stuff." Star lied, with no attempt at hiding it. Queen Moon sighed.

"Look, Star," she hesitated, careful of what she would say, "I know you miss Marco. But you can't mope like this forever. You're Princess of Mewni, for goodness sake!" Star looked at her mother, her baby blue eyes filled with sadness. Queen's face softened. "And besides, I miss seeing the normal Star." A heavy silence followed. After what felt like an eternity, Moon stood. "Well,' she began, picking lint off her gown, "let me know if you want to talk." She headed toward the door. Star buried her head.

"Oh, and Star," Moon turned at the door, "do try to at least smile at the Silver Bell Ball tomorrow." Moon closed the door behind her, leaving Star alone once again. She felt relieved, yet worse, at the same time.

Wait, Star's head popped up. She stumbled getting to her feet as she ran to the calendar on her wall. It was still months behind, so she frantically flipped through until she found it. The Silver Bell Ball is tomorrow! Star's heart leapt. She ran out of her room, wand in hand.

"MOOMMM!" She called, pushing a bard out of her way. "O-oh, sorry!" She called back. She finally caught sight of her mother, but it was too late; as she tried to stop, she ended up sliding right into Moon.

"Star! What is the meaning of this?" Moon was frowning, but her eyes weren't as harsh. "Oh, you're still in your pajamas…"

"Yeah yeah yeah, Mom," Star stood up, and helped her mother up, "did you say the Silver Bell Ball was tomorrow night?" Queen Moon brushed debris off her dress, sighing.

"Why, yes, it's the same time every year. You know that. Really, Star, you should be more careful. This is my favorite dress."

"Okay, okay, so I want you to take me shopping!" Moon stopped, trying to stop a smile from forcing it's way to her face.

"Shopping? Star, are you sure you aren't sick?" She put her head on the bouncing girl's forehead. Star shooed it away and nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine, I just want a new dress! You know, I think it'll make me… feel… better." She slowly stopped bouncing. "Oh, no!" Queen Moon grabbed her daughter into big-mama-bear hug, her eyes beaming.

"Oh, Star!" She pulled away. "Sean, cancel all my appointments for today. I'm going out with my daughter."